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Trump pushed back, suggesting Medvedev “watch his words”.
Trump pushed back, suggesting Medvedev “watch his words”.
What is happening?
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has escalated tensions with the U.S., delivering a pointed nuclear threat during a heated exchange with Donald Trump
In a post on Telegram, Medvedev warned of Russia’s readiness to defend its path, however provocative it may seem.
The chilling reminder of “Dead Hand”
Medvedev invoked the spectre of the Soviet-era “Dead Hand” system—a semi-automated nuclear response mechanism designed to launch missiles if Moscow’s leadership were wiped out.
Medvedev’s war of words on Social Media
The confrontation began when Medvedev criticized Trump’s threats to sanction countries buying Russian oil, describing it as an “ultimatum game” pushing the U.S. and Russia closer to war.
Trump dismisses Medvedev as “failed former fresident”
Trump fired back, warning Medvedev to “watch his words.”
Trump didn’t hold back, mocking Medvedev as a “failed former President” who still believes he’s in charge.
“He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Trump wrote, escalating the spat to personal insults.
Once seen as moderate, now a hardliner
Medvedev once had a reputation as a more moderate alternative to Vladimir Putin.
But in recent years, he’s emerged as one of the Kremlin’s most hawkish, anti-Western voices—staunchly backing Russia’s war against Ukraine.
A glimpse into Kremlin thinking?
While many in the West dismiss Medvedev’s outbursts as unhinged, some diplomats believe his statements provide rare insight into the Kremlin’s internal mindset—one that’s increasingly belligerent and defiant.
Ukraine questions Medvedev’s sanity
Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, dismissed Medvedev’s recent remarks with scorn, questioning his mental state.
“Maybe he was drunk,” Yermak said, brushing off the nuclear threats with biting sarcasm.
Medvedev’s new role, same firebrand tone
Now serving as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Medvedev continues to wield influence—primarily through incendiary rhetoric that toes the Kremlin line and keeps tensions with the West simmering.
“Ultimatum Games” and oil politics
At the heart of the dispute lies Trump’s proposal to punish nations like India for buying Russian oil.
Medvedev likened the approach to a game of brinkmanship—warning that such ultimatums edge the world closer to catastrophe.
A dangerous new phase in U.S.–Russia rhetoric
The back-and-forth underscores a dangerous evolution in U.S.–Russia relations: no longer just about policy, but increasingly dominated by personal animosity, nuclear threats, and inflammatory public statements on both sides.
